Gunmen held for cop attack

2003-11-15 19:32

Johannesburg - Three men were arrested after attempting to kill police officers in two incidents in Alexandra on Friday, Johannesburg police said on Saturday.

Inspector Amanda Roestoff said five police officers were on their way to work in a police vehicle when the incident occurred about 18:00.

Roestoff said Inspector Phillip Mashele, 36, and Constable Siena Mnguni were seated in the front while the other three police officers were in the back of the vehicle.

An unidentified armed man pointed a firearm at Mashele through an open window, but he managed to push it away. A shot was fired and constable Mnguni was wounded in her right hand.

Mashele, who was driving, stopped the vehicle and arrested two men. He recovered an unlicensed pistol from one of them.

The arrested men will appear in the Wynberg magistrate's court on Monday on charges of attempted murder.

In another incident on Friday about 16:00, a murder and rape suspect was shot and wounded in a shootout with police in 17th Avenue, also in Alexandra.

Roestoff said two police reservists, acting on a tip-off, followed two men wanted for murder and rape.

One of the men pulled out a firearm and shot at police.

A gun battle ensued and one of the men was shot in the left thigh. His accomplice ran away.

The injured man tried to hide around a corner, where a group of people had gathered.

The gunman was eventually arrested but police failed to retrieve the gun.

Roestoff said police suspect residents might have assisted the gunman in hiding it.

"I firmly believe that it is about time the community take a bold stand against police killings and attacks on our members. Civilians should make their voices heard," said Reddy.

The injured gunman was taken to a local clinic, where he is under police guard. He will appear in court soon.

- SAPA